Sailing and cruises

What are the best Australia cruises?

With the Pacific Ocean along the east coast, the Coral Sea to the north-east, Tasman Sea down south and the Indian ocean bordering the west coast, Australia is surrounded by an abundance of opportunities when it comes to cruises and sailing. At Backpacker Deals, we offer a wide selection of Australia cruise deals for adventurers and leisure travelers alike. Take a look at some of our most popular Australian cruises below.

 

Summer sees domestic and international tourists flock to Queensland’s beautiful Whitsundays, with this Airlie Beach Ocean Rafting Adventure Day Tour one of Australia’s most popular sailing/cruising activities.

 

This multi-award-winning tour is perfect for those looking to experience the  'wild side' of the Whitsunday Islands, and includes the opportunity to explore uninhabited islands packed with beautiful natural scenery, marine, bird and animal life and stunning beaches.

 

Choose from two tour options to really get the most out of your experience. For those keen on getting as much snorkelling done as possible, the Northern Exposure trip offers extra water time while the Southern Lights tour is best for those who are more keen on soaking up the sun at the beach.

 

On both tours, you'll be accompanied by a professional skipper and eco host, who will offer personalised service, snorkelling lessons, a guided Whitsunday Island walk and informative reef interpretations. This will ensure your sailing tour is filled with fun and will leave you with an appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands!

 

Alternatively, there’s the highly popular Reefsleep Cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime trip that takes in all the highlights of the Great Barrier Reef by day and night!

 

Enjoy a breathtaking journey out across the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea to an amazing floating pontoon in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef where you’ll get to spend one breathtaking night under the stars.

 

This two day, one night marine adventure is the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure making it one of Australia’s best cruises.

 

These are just a few of the Australian cruise deals available. Browse our full selection here.

 

How long does an Australia cruise take?

Depending on what you’re looking for on an Australian cruise or sailing experience determines how long a cruise in Australia lasts.

 

Some of our most popular options take up anywhere from a few hours to a whole day, with this Wineglass Bay Cruise including Vista Lounge Access one of Tasmania’s most loved cruises and taking up just 4 hours and 30 minutes of your day!

 

Discover this great Australian secret located along the eastern side of the Freycinet Peninsula, with Wineglass Bay more or less in the centre of Tassie’s East Coast.

 

Most people hike to Wineglass Bay, but the best way to experience it is by boat and aboard the Schouten Passage II, a 150 seat eco-catamaran, you’ll discover why so many love this cruise!

 

Onboard the vessel is the Vista Lounge, which offers floor to ceiling windows, comfortable indoor and spacious outdoor viewing decks, baby change facilities, and disabled amenities. In this lounge area, there's also a licensed bar and cafe so you can taste local beverages and cool-climate wines available for purchase in nature's best wine bar in the wilderness.

 

Taking up less than half a day, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover parts of Tasmania you may never have seen before - with plenty of time to see more of the region upon return to shore!

 

Or, ring in the New Year in style onboard a tall ship in the Sydney Harbour with this Sydney New Year's Eve Tall Ship Cruise.

 

Set across five, amazing hours, this cruise is exclusive to its own exclusion zone making for for prime viewing of the fireworks.

 

Complete with delicious canapes and finger food, bubbly, wines, beers, soft drinks, juices and water plus a live band playing popular music & requests, it’s no wonder spots aboard this experience sell out fast, with singular event-style cruises also popular among travellers.

 

Alternatively, we have our multi-day cruise options for those with more time on their hands. 

 

This 7 Night Upper Murraylands Cruise along Adelaide’s Murray River takes you from Mannum to the Upper Murraylands historical township of Morgan.

 

Experience spectacular scenery as you cruise along towering cliffs to expansive farmlands and see a variety of Australian wildlife along the way!

 Highlights include local cellar door tastings, vineyard and garden tours, a visit to well-known Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre, guided walks around historic towns, an Aussie barbecue beside the river, a visit to a wildlife shelter, sheep shearing demonstration, and a guided walk through one of Australia’s aboriginal archaeological sites at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park - all jam-packed into 7 amazing days!

 

What is the best month to cruise in Australia?

October through to April is said to be the best time of year to embark on a cruise in Australia. This period between the middle of Spring to the middle of Autumn makes for near-perfect conditions with the warmer temperatures providing greater opportunities to explore beaches, snorkel, surf and more!

 

Spots tend to sell out on many of these tours months in advance so for those looking to book, do so now and score up to 10% off your Australian cruise package!

 

Book your Australian cruise today! 

More than 70% of our planet is covered by water and it's time to explore it! Cruise along the pretty Yarra River, sail among the colourful Great Barrier Reef, explore the idyllic Yasawa Islands or spot Humpback Whales off the shores of Tasmania. Begin your ocean adventure today.